Education: Middle and Secondary Level provides two opportunities for students. It offers a pathway for students to earn an associate of arts degree in education, which is now required for many entry-level jobs in Pennsylvania K-12 schools. It also serves as a first step for those students who wish to transfer to four-year schools so that they may earn their baccalaureate degrees in education. The program offers two levels (Middle and Secondary) with two areas of concentration for each level (Math/Science and Humanities).
The Education: Middle and Secondary Level program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate-degree granting institutions by introducing them to the field of education while guiding them through a coherent and well-rounded sequence of courses. Within each concentration, there are several possible subject areas in which to specialize; therefore, students choose from a list of content electives in those subjects.
After successful completion of this curriculum, students receive an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. Most graduates then transfer to a four-year institution where they earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education and are eligible for certification to teach at the middle or secondary levels, in areas related to their concentration.
Education — Middle and Secondary Level
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School – est. salary $130,439
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary – est. salary $64,510*
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education – est. salary - est. salary $75,800
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Courses and Completion Sequence
The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Education — Middle and Secondary Level degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 - College Composition | 3 credits | ENGL 101 is a prerequisite for many courses, including ENGL 102, ENGL 115, ED 201, and ED 214 | Writing, Research, Info Lit 1 |
| CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits | Prerequisite for PSYC 209 | Cultural Analysis & Interpretation |
| Middle Level (any concentration) or Secondary Level, Humanities Concentration: MATH 161 - Pre-Calculus I* Secondary Level, Math/Science Concentration: MATH 171 - Calculus I |
3 or 4 credits | Students should choose math courses according to transfer institution, in consultation with an advisor or their program coordinator regarding optimal math course selection.While these math courses meet CCP's graduation requirements, students may need to take additional mathematics courses at their transfer institution. MATH 161 requires FNMT 118 completed with a grade of "C" or better or placement in MATH 161 or higher MATH 171 requires MATH 162 completed with a grade of C or better, or placement in MATH 171 or higher. MATH 171 is also a prerequisite for PHYS 111 or PHYS 140 All students in the program must take a minimum of two semesters of college-level mathematics. |
Quantitative Reasoning |
| ED 201 - Foundations of Education for Middle and Secondary Years | 3 credits |
ED 201 is a prerequisite for ED 265, ED 214, and ED 255 |
Major Course |
- This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate degree
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Writing, Research, Info Lit 2 | |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | Oral Communication/ Creative Expression |
|
| PSYC 209 - Adolescent Psychology | 3 credits | Prerequisite for ED 265 (may be taken concurrently) | |
| ED 214 - Cognition and Learning in the Classroom | 3 credits |
Prerequisite for ED 255 and ED 265 Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Education (ED) courses. |
Major Course |
| Middle Level (any concentration) or Secondary Level, Humanities Concentration: MATH 162 - Precalculus II* Secondary Level, |
3 or 4 credits |
Students should choose math courses according to transfer institution, in consultation with an advisor or their program coordinator regarding optimal math course selection. While these math courses meet CCP's graduation requirements, students may need to take additional mathematics courses at their transfer institution. MATH 162 requires completion of MATH 161 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement in MATH 162 or higher MATH 172 requires completion of MATH 171 with a grade of "C" or better, or placement in MATH 172 or higher and is a prereq for PHYS 241 All students in the program must take a minimum of two semesters of college-level mathematics. |
Required second semester of college-level mathematics |
- Don’t forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED 265 - Introduction to Special Education and Inclusive Practices | 3 credits | Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Education (ED) courses. | Major Course |
| Middle Level or Secondary Level, Humanities Concentration: BIOL 106 - General Biology I Middle Level and Secondary Level, Math/Science Concentration: |
4 or 5 credits | Students should choose science courses according to transfer institution, in consultation with an advisor. BIOL 106 is a prerequisite for BIOL 107 PHYS 111, or permission of the department head, is a prerequisite for PHYS 112 PHYS 140 is a prerequisite for PHYS 241 CHEM 110 completed with a grade of "C" or better and FNMT 118 are prerequisites for CHEM 121 BIOL 123 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for BIOL 124 CHEM 110 or permission of department head is a prerequisite for BIOL 123 All students in the program must take a minimum of two semesters of science. |
Scientific Reasoning |
| History Course (choose one): HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era or HIST 102 - United States History: The Civil War and the 19th Century or HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century and Beyond** |
3 credits | Students planning to transfer to Temple University should take HIST 101 or HIST 103, not HIST 102 | |
| Content Elective (see chart below for choice of content electives) *** | 3 to 5 credits | Students selecting their content electives must receive approval from their education faculty advisor before they can register for their content electives. Banner will prevent students from registering without their advisor's approval. | Content Elective |
| Content Elective (see chart below for choice of content electives) *** | 3 to 5 credits | Content Elective |
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED 255 - Teaching English Language Learners | 3 credits | Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Education (ED) courses. | Major Course |
| Middle Level (any concentration) or Secondary Level, Humanities Concentration: BIOL 107 - General Biology II or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation Secondary Level, Math/Science Concentration: ART 103 - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance or ART 104 - History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern or MUS 103 - Introduction to Music or PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy or Any 100 or 200-level World Language course or Any Religious Studies course (RS) |
3 or 4 credits | Students in Middle Level and students in Secondary Level Humanities should choose science courses according to transfer institution, in consultation with an advisor. BIOL 107 requires BIOL 106 completed, with a grade of "C" or better. Students in the Secondary Level Math/Science Concentration should choose a humanities course according to transfer institution, in consultation with an advisor. Students who plan to attend a religiously-affiliated college or university should take a Religious Studies (RS) course. |
|
| Content Elective (see chart below for choice of content electives) *** | 3 to 5 credits | Students selecting their content electives must receive approval from their education faculty advisor before they can register for their content electives. Banner will prevent students from registering without their advisor's approval. | Content Elective |
| Content Elective (see chart below for choice of content electives) *** | 3 to 5 credits | Content Elective | |
| Content Elective (see chart below for choice of content electives) *** | 3 to 5 credits | Content Elective |
- If this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request for Course Substitution of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
Median Salary
$64,510
For Year 2021
$64,510
For Year 2021
Number of Jobs
8,031
in the region
8,031
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+7.7
in the region
+7.7
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $42,976. Normal pay for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education is $64,510 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $98,008.
Program Information
Education — Middle and Secondary Level
Degree Type:
Associate in Arts (A.A.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
61
